Compounds capable of binding to proteins constituting or associated with cytoskeletal elements, and their applications for the manufacture of medicaments

Abstract

The invention concerns the use of steroids and non-toxic compounds, capable of crossing the blood brain barrier characterized in that they are capable of binding the same site as pregnenolone on proteins constituting or associated with elements of the cytoskeleton and of displacing the MAP 2 -bound pregnenolone, and of influencing the assembling and stabilization of microtubules. The invention is particularly useful for treating the nervous system, for fighting against ageing of cells containing MAP 5 , and for treating cancers.

1 - 12 . (canceled)  
     
     
         13 . A pharmaceutical composition of matter comprising a non-toxic compound that passes through the blood-brain barrier, wherein said compound 
 (1) binds to the same site as pregnenolone on proteins constituting or associated with cytoskeletal elements,    (2) displaces pregnenolone bound to MAP2, and    (3) has an effect on the assembly and the stabilization of microtubules, in an amount effective for the treatment of pathological states involving proteins constituting or associated with cytoskeletal elements in combination with a compound having a stabilizing effect on the cytoskeleton, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor.    
     
     
         14 . A method for treating diseases of the nervous system, central nervous system or peripheral nervous system comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment an effective amount of a non-toxic compound that passes through the blood-brain barrier, wherein said compound 
 (1) binds to the same site as pregnenolone on proteins constituting or associated with cytoskeletal elements,    (2) displaces pregnenolone bound to MAP2, and    (3) has an effect on the assembly and the stabilization of microtubules.